“Jiwa Merdeka” – embracing freedom with a unified spirit
Malaysia's Independence Day, observed on the 31 August, is far more than a mere historical commemoration; it embodies the very soul of a nation. Known as Merdeka Day, this significant occasion marks not only the moment the country gained its freedom but also the genesis of a nation that, despite its rich diversity, strides forward as one unified people.
As a true blue Penangite, Merdeka Day occupies a cherished place in my heart. I find myself fondly reminiscing the Merdeka Eve countdown dinners as well as the Merdeka Day parades held in Penang, filled with the joyous camaraderie and laughter that resonate among fellow Malaysians while the national flag, Jalur Gemilang, flutters triumphantly in the air. It is a day that beckons us to unite as a community, honouring our shared journey and the enduring values that bind us together.
The theme for 2024, "Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka", resonates within me with a depth that surpasses mere sentiment. The word "Jiwa", meaning "soul", encapsulates the spiritual essence that flows through all rational beings and the universe itself. Thus, "Jiwa Merdeka", the soul of freedom, transcends a mere slogan; it is a powerful declaration of our collective spirit, liberated from the chains of negativity and resolute in its quest for intellectual, social and economic advancement. It serves as a poignant reminder that patriotism should not be limited to superficial displays of flags and symbols, but rather a profound and enduring bond that unites us as Malaysians, cultivating harmony first within our hearts and ultimately fostering a shared destiny.
As the Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil noted, "Malaysia Madani is the backbone of our country's prosperity and progress, upheld by six core values that guide us as a nation". The theme was chosen for its encapsulation of the holistic unity of a developing and progressive nation, one that embraces diversity, unity and a robust spirit.
The 67th Merdeka Day celebrations were held at Putrajaya on 31 August, followed by Malaysia Day in Sabah on 16 September. It was essential to remember that our freedom was not won by the sword but by the unyielding resolve of a united people. As we celebrated Merdeka Day, we remained mindful that our strength lies in our unity, diversity, and unwavering spirit as Malaysians. Together, we always stride forward – bold, resilient, and free.
It was truly heartwarming to witness so many Penangites come together at the Esplanade on the morning of 31 August to celebrate National Day. Despite the light drizzle, people were undeterred, arriving at Jalan Padang Kota Lama as early as 7:30 am, their spirits undampened and umbrellas in hand. The community’s energy was infectious, with families and friends gathering to enjoy the festivities, proudly waving the Jalur Gemilang in a display of unity and patriotism.
The state-level National Day parade began around 8:30 am, following the arrival of Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his consort, Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Noor. Being part of the parade was an inspiring experience, as thousands of participants from 126 contingents came together. Marching alongside 106 groups comprising 7,190 participants on foot – representing state agencies, uniformed units, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector – was a proud moment. The State Chinese (Penang) Association, which I was part of, was 86th in the lineup. The parade also featured 20 motorcades, with 1,078 participants in 714 vehicles, showcasing the collective strength and diversity of our community. Being a part of this celebration, surrounded by the shared joy and unity of my fellow Penangites, filled me with immense pride.
"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it," said George Bernard Shaw. Yet, as a true Penangite and a proud Malaysian, I assert that we do not shrink from our freedom; rather, we embrace it with a profound sense of duty, a relentless commitment to progress and a soul that is truly Merdeka. In this land of diverse voices and shared dreams, freedom is not a burden to fear, but a privilege to uphold with unwavering resolve.
Here is a look at past Merdeka themes:
2023: Malaysia Madani – Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan
2022: Keluarga Malaysia, Teguh Bersama
2020–2021: Malaysia Prihatin
2019: Sayangi Malaysiaku, Malaysia Bersih
2018: Sayangi Malaysiaku
2017: Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa
2015–2016: Sehati Sejiwa
2014: Malaysia… Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta
2013: Malaysiaku Berdaulat: Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku
2012: 1Malaysia – Janji Ditepati
2011: 1Malaysia – Transformasi Berjaya, Rakyat Sejahtera.
2010: 1Malaysia – Menjana Transformasi
2009: 1Malaysia – Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan
2008: Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan
2007: Malaysiaku Gemilang
2000–2006: Keranamu Malaysia
1999: Bersatu Ke Alaf Baru
1998: Negara Kita Tanggungjawab Kita
1997: Akhlak Mulia Masyarakat Berjaya
1996: Budaya Penentu Kecapaian
1995: Jatidiri Penggerak Wawasan
1994: Nilai Murni Jayakan Wawasan
1993: Bersatu Menuju Wawasan
1992: Wawasan Asas Kejayaan
1991: Wawasan 2020
1990: Berjaya
1988–1989: Bersatu
1987: Setia Bersatu Berusaha Maju
1986: Bangsa Tegas Negara Teguh
1985: Nasionalisme Teras Perpaduan
1984: Amanah Asas Kejayaan
1983: Bersama ke Arah Kemajuan
1982: Berdisiplin Giat Maju
1981: Berdisiplin Berharmoni
1980: Berdisiplin Berbakti
1979: Bersatu Berdisiplin
1978: Kebudayaan Seni Perpaduan
1977: 20 Tahun Bersatu Maju
1976: Ketahanan Rakyat
1975: Masyarakat Berdikari
1974: Sains dan Teknologi Alat Perpaduan
1973: Masyarakat Kebudayaan Malaysia
1972: Masyarakat Adil
1971: Masyarakat Progresif
1970: Muhibbah dan Perpaduan
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Written by Adrian Cheah
Photographs by Adrian Cheah and Yeoh Peng Hong
© All rights reserved
1 September 2024